Baby/Toddler Story Time, 2/28/12

It's so hard to be sick on story time day. And for me, with the way the weather has been this Winter, that's been happening more often than usual, and it's kind of messing with my momentum. Today, thanks to a very nice coworker, I only did one session so I didn't have to totally kill my voice, but even that was a challenge, and people were not at all sympathetic. In fact, the more I lost my voice, the louder they talked to be heard over me. But I stuck by my decision not to use recorded music, and I think, all things considered, it could have gone a lot worse.

I would like to know, though, what the magic trick is that will make adults sit quietly and listen to a picture book. Because really, it's not that hard, but none of them do it.

Anyway, here is this week's baby/toddler story time:

Opening Song: Hello, how are you?

Book: Shhhhh by Kevin Henkes (1989)
I love this book, but it didn't have its full effect because I couldn't read as loudly as I wanted. Making the shhh sound at the end of every page was fun, though. I know it's a cliche, but I like some librarian shushing action now and then.

Rhyme: Two Little Blackbirds (Soft and Loud edition)

Rhyme: Wiggle Fingers 

Book: I Can't Get My Turtle To Move by Elizabeth Lee O'Donnell, illustrated by Maxie Chambliss (1989)
My innocent children's librarian mind didn't realize it right away, but this book kind of makes it seem like the turtle might be dead. And once I realized that, I understood why the adults weren't so on board with it. (Also, I did not plan this at all, but apparently I read two books in a row published in 1989!)

Song: I'm a Little Teapot

Song: Head and Shoulders

Song: The Wheels on the Bus

• ...wheels...round and round
• ...doors...open and shut
• ...wipers...swish swish swish
• ...driver...move on back

Rhyme: This is Big, Big, Big

Book: Domino by Claire Masurel, illustrated by David Walker (2007)
This book is adorable, but it had too much of a plot for the kids to grasp it and too boring a plot for the adults to pay attention. Sad.

Song: If You're Happy and You Know It

• ...clap your hands
• ...pat your knees
• ...beep your nose
• ...tickle your tummy
• ...shout hooray

Song: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Song: Where is Big Toe?

Song: One Little Finger

Goodbye Song: We Wave Goodbye Like This